Looking to buy one, and wanted to know if I need to watch out for anything? Does the manual trans hold up well? I have read where the v6 in the older models was a great little engine, do you think this one would last as long?

Any options I should try to get?

I tried searching, and couldn't find much, so if you want to point me to any other threads, would be appreciated.

 

Unless its something new for 06 you cant get a manual transmission. The 4.6L is an excellent engine. Its been around for ever, but the auto tranny is garbage.

 

yes, you can get a manual with the v6. Never been a fan of slush boxes, even though shifting in traffic gets old sometimes.

 

Yes you can get a manual, I have a manual w/ the 4.2
There is enough power to move the truck pretty well, I have about 15,000 miles on my 06 right now and have had no problems with it at all. As far a how long the engine will last, my dad has a 97 4.2 w/ about 230,000 miles on the original engine, and he rebuilt the manual trans at about 200,000 I think. If you get a v6 just don't expect it to be fast, because it won't be, but it has passing power and can haul loads fairly well. If mileage is the reason you want the v6 you can get 19-20 pretty easily, but that is only slightly better than a 4.6 can get. The best thing to do is test drive one if you haven't already and see how you like it.
As far as options I would try for an xlt if you want power features (you can put aftermarket power locks/windows/mirrors etc in an xl or stx if you prefer). If you have anymore questions then let me know and I'll do my best to answer them.

 

I am glad that ford offers us the options of different engines. Just curious why are you opting for the v 6. Is it because you want the manual tranny?

 

How tall are you? The reg cab F-150 dose not have a lot of leg room under the dash, I'm 6 ft 4 and the 04 F-150 XLT reg cab I used to drive was not verry comfortable, with the extra pedal, less space...

I do like the 4.2, basicly your buying a 1/4 ton truck.

 

Wow 3 chioces...a 4.2 a 4.6 and a 5.4 3V, 2 out of the three are great engines, not the 5.43v, Ford should offer all thier engines with a manual transmission in a 1/2 ton.

 

Not the 5.4 bashing again! So you are saying the 4.6 is good but the 5.4 isn't? How do you figure? I personally feel the 5.4 is excellent, but then I don't race my truck. I use it for truck duties...towing and hauling. For that, it is superb IMO.

 

the 5sp tranny in my 05 xl held up fine, but the rest of the truck only lasted about 1500 miles

 

opting for the v6 because of cost. seems like most stealerships around me heavily discount the base truck.

I use to drive a 2001 v6 xl 5speed for work, and i was happy with that. seemed to have enough pep for me. And at the time I personally drove a 7.3L. I sometimes preferred the v6 5speed to my diesel 6 speed, because it was so smooth.

Im 6.0'. dont think I should have too much problem with the leg room.

Thanks all for the replys. I know I asked a pretty broad question, just didnt seem to find what i needed in the searches i performed.

 

First of all, let's get some thigns straight. Cyclone Vampire, you're nothing but a stinkin' Dodge troll who does nothing but constantly bash on Ford and Ford's trucks. I don't know about others on this site, but as a member and a fan of Ford and Ford vehicles, I do not apprecaite your constant bashing. So your truck was a pile, great. That does NOT warrant your constant bashing of everyone's truck, motor, and Ford Motor Company as a whole. The is a reason that Ford's F-series has been the best seller (even in these tough times) for the last 29 years. They're doing something right, that's for sure. Where's your piece of **** Dodge on that list? 5th? That's what I thought. I swear, sometimes I wish you ****ing people couldn't get on our this site. We'd be better off without your stupid opinions anyway, eh?

OK, now...

The V6 and 5-speed in the 2006 XL are basically a carryover from the previous generation with a few improvements to the engine for valvetrain noise etc..

The 5-speed transmission in those trucks is sourced from the Mazda parts bin for Ford, and always has been in the V6 manual transmission equipped F-series. I believe it is called the M5OD, although I could be wrong. Very very stout engines and trannys, and should last you a long time. My brother's got a 1998 F-150 XLT Supercab with the V6 and 5-speed trans. It is constantly beat on all day, 6 days a week by his employees and the oil gets changed probably once every 8-9 months. That thing STILL runs like a champ with 120,000+ on the ticker. If the V6 will meet your needs, then get it. And, enjoy!

 

Done, now may I request that you remove my quote?

 

Why dont you ASK me what MY definition is of Canucks before you turn into another cyclone vampire? Being that I am the one that posted it, I would think I would know what I mean. Anyway, there are several Canadians on this board (that I know of) that contribute a good opinion, and contribute well to the discussion at hand. You happen to be one of them, obviously. So yeah, sorry about the generalization there.

EDIT: I also fixed my generalization in the post two above this one. May I request that you remove my quote?

 

I forgot all about the ford/chevy/dodge haters out there. Sucks that is still around.

Paper today has some Xl's for 12999, msrp of 19560. I havent found a used 05 that beats that price.

 

I had a 1998 XL with the 5 speed. The engine rocked, but I had trouble with the clutch/transmission. I blew the reverse gear and had trouble with the pressure for the hydraulic clutch system. I sold it because I was tired of dealing with it and shifting in traffic got old after a couple years. The truck is still around today and still running strong. It's got to have at least 150K on it by now.